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After a clear victory over Paul Vallas in the Chicago mayoral election, Brandon Johnson said his first goal in office was to unite divided voters and get as many residents as possible into the debate to move the city forward. It is about allowing you to participate.
Cook County Commissioner Johnson, who is predicted by NBC News and AP to beat out Vallas, will have a lot on his plate when he takes office on May 15. ” when he began his term.
“Bringing this city together is a top priority and everyone can be part of the process of uniting this city,” he said in his first sit-down interview with a local outlet after the election, on NBC. 5 told political reporter Mary Ann Ahern.
Public safety was the number one issue on voters’ minds in the election, and although Johnson did not have the support of the Chicago Police Fraternity, he promoted more detectives within the department and established partnerships. with police officers and other emergency personnel.
“Our plan is to bring people together. As I have said repeatedly, the city of Chicago has more than enough for everyone. Building a better, stronger, safer Chicago. Please continue to work together to do so,” he said.
Just over a month after finishing runner-up in the first round of the mayoral election, Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson defeated former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Ballas to become the city’s next mayor. became.
Asked about the search for a new police chief after David Brown’s resignation last month, Johnson said he plans to work with various groups to identify a candidate.
The incoming mayor will also face a unique challenge next year when the city’s collective bargaining agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union expires.
Johnson, a former Chicago public school teacher who received CTU approval in October, said he would negotiate the terms of the new deal with an open mind, saying he would seek the best deal for both sides rather than simply. increase. He complies with his teacher’s request.
“The question is, how do we get the city of Chicago to vote,” he said. “My children go to public schools in Chicago. It’s about really bringing people together and bringing cities together around contracts, but more importantly, bringing cities together around school districts.”
Johnson’s pitch for unity includes building a relationship with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
“I am confident that I have strong relationships with the Speaker of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, the Governor, the City Council, the Board, the President, Commissioners and the General Assembly as a whole. It’s the most important thing in life,” he said.
Pritzker celebrated Johnson’s clear victory in a statement Wednesday morning.
“I am committed to productive partnerships that advance our shared priorities of making Chicago a better place to live, work, do business, and raise families,” he said. “We look forward to working with Mayor-elect Johnson to build on the progress we have made across Illinois and to empower working families in this great city and in all parts of the state.”
Mr. Johnson has focused on his status as a tycoon of various political factions in the city, but his victories have been fueled by those who craved progressive ideals to be the daily routine of city hall. He also said that he was
“We told people the truth,” he said. “Middle-class families are suffering in this city. Working people, low-income families, poverty-stricken families. It’s a challenge for all of us. People have seen themselves in this race.”
“That’s exactly how we’ve been able to unite the city around a progressive agenda. As people who work on the streets of Chicago, we no longer have to hide our values,” he added.
Chicago Mayor Laurie Lightfoot has pledged to help Johnson’s team rise to power in the coming weeks, while former rival Mayor Vallas has also been at odds during the election season. He pledged to help unify the voting blocs.
Johnson will become mayor in mid-May.
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